Stroke survivor reunites with first responders who saved her life
Bonnie MacDonald reuniting with first responders who saved her life / Chattanooga Fire Department & Hamilton County EMS
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Hamilton County woman who survived a major stroke earlier this year had a heartfelt reunion with the team that helped save her.
Bonnie MacDonald suffered a severe stroke on February 24, 2025 that affected the speech center of her brain.
Her daughter found her around 6:45 a.m., unable to speak and groaning.
According to Hamilton County EMS, Bonnie’s husband immediately called 911.
Hamilton County 911 dispatchers quickly sent first responders to the scene.
Paramedic Josh Allen and AEMT Jared Hartley with HCEMS Medic 7 arrived and conducted a rapid stroke assessment.
Senior Firefighter William Shamblin with Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) Station 21 also responded.
Bonnie was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed the stroke.
CFD said she underwent emergency brain surgery and has since made a full recovery.
June 12, 2025, Bonnie reunited with the very people who helped save her life.
She and her sister Lorrie—who happens to be a supervisor at Hamilton County 911—visited Station 21 to thank the dispatchers, EMS team, and firefighters in person.
Bonnie has now returned to work as an educator at Lookout Valley Elementary.
